Everton make Vitor Pereira 'decision' as Niko Kovac option emerges

A look at the latest rumours over Everton's search for a new manager, including updates on Vitor Pereira, Wayne Rooney, Roberto Martinez, Frank Lampard, Niko Kovac and Rudi Garcia

Everton continue to be linked with a host of names who could be the club’s new manager.

The Blues are searching for a new boss after the sacking of Rafa Benitez earlier this month.

Duncan Ferguson has been placed in caretaker charge, and has already overseen one match which saw Everton lose to Aston Villa at the weekend.

Here is a round-up of the latest rumours over who Farhad Moshiri could appoint as Everton’s new manager.

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Vitor Pereira ‘on hold’

Reports have claimed that Everton have “pulled back” from the appointment of Vitor Pereira as Benitez’s replacement.

According to The Mirror , Pereira's track record of overseeing 1860 Munich’s relegation from the Bundesliga has led to some backlash within the Everton hierarchy.

It has been claimed that while Pereira impressed, they will spend 24 hours looking at other viable candidates for the role.

The ECHO reported on Monday that the process to identify Benitez’s replacement as the new Everton manager is ongoing and that Pereira is one of three potential candidates currently under consideration.

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Wayne Rooney back in the frame

The same report from the Mirror went on to add that Everton’s decision to pull away from appointing Pereira could mean that Wayne Rooney is back in the frame.

It has been claimed that while the former Everton striker is yet to be interviewed for the role, that is likely to change this week.

Rooney’s current club, Derby County, would need to grant the 36-year-old permission to speak to the Blues over their managerial vacancy in order for an interview to take place.

The report also adds that an interim appointment is possible, which could open to door for Rooney.

Roberto Martinez ‘talks’

The Mirror go on to mention the possibility of Roberto Martinez returning to Goodison Park.

Martinez, who is currently manager of the Belgium national team, was manager of Everton from 2013 to 2016.

According to the report, Everton have held talks with the Belgium FA over seeking an agreement to have Martinez come back to Merseyside.

When initial rumours surfaced over Martinez, it was suggested that he would split his time with managing both Everton and Belgium - something that the country may not be willing to do in a World Cup year.

Other candidates

The Mirror list several other names who could be under consideration for Everton as their manager search goes on.

Frank Lampard could be invited back for another interview, the report states, after being out of work for more than a year since leaving Chelsea.

Former Bayern Munich boss Niko Kovac and ex-Lyon manager Rudi Garcia are also said to be in the mix to replace Benitez.